The government passed legislation to limit opposition to the war and fight espionage, or spying to
acquire government information. The Espionage Act made it illegal to aid the enemy, give false reports,
or interfere with the war effort. There was also the Sedition Act which made it illegal to speak against
the war publicly. Officials were allowed to prosecute anyone who criticized the government. These laws
led to over 1,000 convictions. Wartime fears also led to attacks on German Americans, labor activists,
socialists, and pacifists. Americans formed private groups, such as the American Protective League and
the Boy Spies of America. They would spy on neighbors and coworkers. The Espionage and Sedition Act were
upheld in court. Abridging the freedom of speech, or the press," the Supreme Court departed from a strict literal
interpretation of the constitution. The court ruled that the government could restrict speech when the words
constitute a "clear and present danger."
The government passed legislation to limit opposition to the war and fight espionage, or spying to
acquire government information. The Espionage Act made it illegal to aid the enemy, give false reports,
or interfere with the war effort. There was also the Sedition Act which made it illegal to speak against
the war publicly. Officials were allowed to prosecute anyone who criticized the government. These laws
led to over 1,000 convictions. Wartime fears also led to attacks on German Americans, labor activists,
socialists, and pacifists. Americans formed private groups, such as the American Protective League and
the Boy Spies of America. They would spy on neighbors and coworkers. The Espionage and Sedition Act were
upheld in court. Abridging the freedom of speech, or the press," the Supreme Court departed from a strict literal
interpretation of the constitution. The court ruled that the government could restrict speech when the words
constitute a "clear and present danger."